Christian Ideals in The Grapes of Wrath Essay

858 Words4 Pages

The Christian Ideals in The Grapes of Wrath

In Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath one of the themes discussed is the idea of Christian goodness exhibited in the Joads and other migrant workers. Those in the book representing this * "[eat] together with glad and sincere hearts." This type of selfless sharing is a Christian concept of good fellowship. Particularly, Ma shows her caring towards others from the beginning and urges others to do the same. Jim Casy, while struggling with the orthodox view of Christianity, still displays a general concern for his fellow man. Repeatedly the family and others associated sacrifice comfort for the requirements of others. When people are in need, a sacrifice for their behalf makes society…show more content…

His initials, J.C., stand for Jesus Christ, continuing the sacrificial nature of the characters in the book. When Tom is about to be arrested, Casy allows himself to be taken saying: "Somebody got to take the blame." He sets an example for Tom to follow later and takes the punishment for Tom's crime, which is reminiscent of Jesus' purpose on earth. Also like Jesus, Casy gives his life for the people, thought they most likely do not appreciate the gift, leading them and also trying to convince others realize their the results of their actions. While many do not understand how their shortsightedness "[helps] to starve kids," Casy extends his view and sacrifices of his time and eventually of his life to ameliorate the situations of the migrant farmers. Jim Casy leaves the legacy of Christian sacrifice to the other characters, and after he is gone, the choice to work together is up to those still alive. Once in California, the comprehension is displayed that comfort should not be valued over the need of others. In the Hooverville, the Joads are faced with a dilemma as starving children gather around Ma while she is fixing their dinner. Albeit they "[don't] have enough" for themselves, they nevertheless save a taste for the children. When the mother of the offspring comes to Ma, the Joad explains that they "[couldn't] keep it when they look [like that]." The Joads give up their comfort of a good meal to 3 give a little to the children. Later in the government camp,

Austin Iverson
AP English
American Ideals: The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby
Throughout history there have been certain political and social ideals that have been upheld by most individuals in American society. These ideals include liberty, equality, and pursuing the American dream. Many of these American ideals can be seen in the classic novels The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby. Both novels take place within two decades of each other in the same country but with vastly different…

Both John Steinbeck’s criticism and optimism was written into The Grapes of Wrath, a book that he researched for nearly two years before he finally finished the book. While writing the novel, he said to his friend and literary agent: “I must go over into the interior valleys. There are about five thousand families starving to death over there...The states and counties will give them nothing because they are outsiders. But the crops of any part of this state could not be harvested without these outsiders…

Ashlyn Wieczorek
Mrs. Benz
AP English Language and Composition
February, 6 2015
Socialism
In John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, he used many clashes of tradition to imply socialism as the cure to California’s economic mess in the 1930s. Socialism started early in Europe and several experiments of it were done in America. To anyone who knows history at all, it always seems to repeat itself, and this philosophy of government style has always failed. Socialism tries to hide behind the concept of…

In the two texts A Fine Balance (1995) by Rohinton Minstry and The Grapes of Wrath (1939) by John Steinbeck, the idea that adverse experiences impact an individual’s beliefs is explored through the different ways that the composers of both texts convey how living in a hostile environment and loss can change an individual’s personal philosophy.
Throughout the two texts it is apparent that a hostile and oppressive society exists and through the use of various techniques, the authors reveal how living…

Krystal Giffen
The Grapes of Wrath
Part 1: Literary Analysis
1. A. “…‘What’s this call, this sperit?’ An’ I says, ‘It’s love…” (page 23, Chapter 4). This quote is an example of an metaphor. The use of this metaphor was to show the reader why the preacher doesn’t preach anymore. The effect the metaphor had on the reader was, for them to see how the preacher really viewed ‘the sperit’.
B. “One cat’ takes and shoves ten families out. Cat’s all over hell now…” (pg. 8, Chapter 2). This quote is…

Heavren 15
Christian Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath
Since the first civilizations, religion has greatly influenced the development of life. It has been a constant presence in America, tracing back to the Puritans who voyaged to the New World to escape religious persecution. Centuries later, religion has retained its place in American society, being expressed in a variety of ways and particularly emanating in times of struggle and hardship. Amidst a period of great difficulty for average Americans…

The Grapes of Wrath ends in a rather idiosyncratic way. Steinbeck provides an anticlimax ending that is open to interpretation. The last scene occurs after the Joad family has to move from their boxcar due to the flood that has been ongoing for six days. At this point the family has encountered a series of problems that seem to be never ending. Every time there is a glimpse of hope, something comes and tears everything down. In California for example, finding a job was difficult for the family. On…

often mirrored across plots. Both The Grapes of Wrath and The Pearl embody Steinbeck’s archaic view of divine human culture. All his characters were real people. Through traveling and journalism, and his study of people, he has carved his way of thinking to that of the average man. Steinbeck shows the destitution of mankind. Instilling that humans cry at the same things. A feeling illuminated by the harsh situations in life as seen in The Pearl and The Grapes of Wrath.
Early in The Pearl Kino talks of…

Seventy-five years later, John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, and the film adaptation, are still relevant to life now, because there are several relatable themes running through the book and movie. The novel depicts the about the economic inequality of the 1840s and 1930s. Yet still today, there is economic inequality. The wealthier people with jobs also look down on the poorer, unemployed people. Perhaps there is a fear that the jobless will come in and steal jobs. However, the American…

Have you ever realized that John Steinbeck talked about Religion in his book Grapes of Wrath? Well, if your answer is NO, let me inform you that Steinbeck did talk about Religion in his book. There are many similarities in John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath and Christ’s story. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck presents religion in different ways ranging from Jim Casy’s similarities to Christ, the use of Christian theology, and the symbolism of some characters as pastors. Throughout his book, Steinbeck…